Korean Job Discussion Forums

[greek buddha]

Can anyone tell me if you can do the Korean drivers license test(s) in English? I think it was mentioned somewhere here that you can do it in english?

thanks

[normalcyispasse]

Yes, the written test can be administered in English.

[ABC KID]

Yes it can be done in English. However, something to be aware of... if your driving academy is anything like mine was they might give you practice papers that have no relevance to the actual test itself. I had to study Korean materials to prepare myself adequately. If you can't speak or write Korean that could be a problem.

Obviously though, you will go to a different hagwon to me so you will probably not experience anything like that.

I used to say I would never drive in Korea (the roads looked so dangerous - full of madmen!) but I finally decided to get my license this year. I passed in October and I'm really enjoying driving around now.

Good luck with it all.

[Jove]

If you have a driver's license from your home country, you can go to the license bureau and get it all done in about an hour.

I got mine at the bureau near World Cup Stadium. They have a desk for foreigners and they can pretty much help you through the whole process. It costs about 45000 won if I remember correctly. You take the test on the second floor and there are computers in the waiting area that have the test book so you can cram for the test if you want to. I didn't see those when I went in, so I just took the test (in English, administered on a computer) and passed fairly easily. Mostly common sense questions but a few that were obviously specific to Korean driving.

The license bureau does take your home country license from you to hold. You can turn in your Korean license to the bureau when you leave the country and get your home country license back. I am just going to claim mine lost and get a new one when I go back in a month...mine was out of date anyway. Then I'll have both with me all the time.

Good luck

[Gwangjuboy]

I am also thinking of taking my Korean driving test. It wouldn't be a problem converting it to a British driving license when I return home would it?

[latinthrilla]

I posted the requirements for a Canadian if you have an F2 visa in another post, just search for it. It cost 11000 altogether. Even with an E2 just head down to the local office. They have a section for English speakers but bring a Korean speaker because some of the forms are in Korean. The Candian conversion if you already have a license is easy. Don't forget your 3 pictures.

Good luck.

[greek buddha]

Thanks for the info everyone...that really helps.

[victorology]

I got my license at the office near Samsung Station and yes, you can take the test in English.

[sadsac]

As an Aussie, I had to get a copy of my licence notarised by the embassy and translated. I then sat an English test in Masan. They only test on Saturdays every six weeks. The test had nothing to do with actual road rules or driving. There were 20 questions and it took abot 15 minutes to complete. Couple of passport size photos, pay the fee and I got a licence for 10 years. North American residents, just pop into your nearest cop shop and swap them over.

[ernie]

i love how they take your home license away when they issue you a korean license, but then when they give it back to you (when you show them your flight home), they don't take back the korean license!